L.A. PARKER: Here's a political platform that would have worked

While Trentonís mayoral race receives primary attention, an understanding of government should make voters give more thought about city council races.

If residents desire better services, then make time for an investigation of city council at-large candidates plus your personal ward council member. They possess the latch keys that get you a street sweeper, police officer, planted trees, maintained abandoned houses, grass cut, etc.

In essence, city council members should sweat the small stuff for residents while large ticket items end up on the mayorís desk. Sure, we want a mayor who can attract business, touts education improvement, has a game plan for crime, and avoids the potential pitfalls of power but Tuesdayís election must place competent, smart, energetic, attention-detailed people in seven city council seats.

In a city where African Americans continually make many decisions based on race, such a policy means an overlook of other worthwhile choices. Black power, Latino power, or Caucasian power, for that matter, does not necessarily mean ending up with a city council that looks like a color. Power represents avenues that place in position those people who best serve our interests as one neighborhood.

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Think about how blacks voted when no black candidates were on a presidential ticket, ran for Congress, or sought a position in the Senate. We shopped around, asked pertinent questions, and then made a choice based on that candidate who appeared connected to the intricacies of our lives, community, and nation.

Trenton city council candidates offers diverse choices. A couple of jewels exist in this rough and tumble group. Choose wisely and you could claim success in building the perfect governmental machine that serviced all residents.

Unfortunately, many Trenton voters will give second chances to council members who clearly lacked acumen for such an important position in city government.

While candidates plan on negative attack ads, here are several ideas that would have worked. Itís too late in the game for anyone to beg, borrow, or steal but these initiatives could work in four years.

Education: A city education system cannot claim success when only 50 percent of ingoing freshman graduate. But the problems occur way before students reach high school. First, Trenton needs a new superintendent of schools. That search would start the first day I take the oath of office.

A keen focus will include a city-wide reading stimulation program that includes summer reading for all students in grades 6 through 12. This initiative will be up and running by June, 1, 2015.

Included in the education effort will be a reopening of three of the four closed city libraries. Finally, Trenton will host an education conference that includes discussions on charter schools and ways to adjust current learning modules to produce students ready to succeed.

By the way, my mayorís Arts Council will revitalize music as part of each elementary schoolís curriculum. Trenton will connect with nearby Grounds for Sculpture as local residents can gain access with free passes to this wonderful world of art expression.

City Hall will steer children and parents toward our fantastic Planetarium and New Jersey State Museum. Cadwalader Park will serve as a destination spot as privatization for maintenance of Frederick Olmsteadís landscaped masterpiece attracts weekend crowds.

I will be known as the ďEducation Mayor.Ē Itís the best nickname a city leader could showcase. Teachers will have my support but much will be expected of them.

Crime: Itís time to renegotiate our contract with the Trenton police department. Former Mayor Doug Palmerís admitted big mistake of 4-on-and-4-off requires eradication. Community policing will receive a revitalization.

Police will walk beats in neighborhoods that require an out of car presence. Of course, community policing remains a major initiative.

If a contract can not be reached with law enforcement unions then talks will begin with state and county leaders to disband our police force for creation of a county-wide force.

Plus, Trenton will lead an initiative to meet with neighboring mayors for discussions how we can share services or coordinate law enforcement efforts along our borders.

The crime fighting push will include a demolition of every city-owned house that contributes to our cityís drug problems. These places can no longer be safe havens for drug dealersí hideouts or used to hide their drugs in.

Trenton will establish a skilled demolition crew that will systematically remove every house unfit for habitation. Cost for demolition will be attached to any sale of these properties. While we wait for development there is no need to allow blight to remain part of the city landscape.

A first-year goal will set a goal of 100 houses, thatís about two houses per week. Sure, itís a long-term goal but one worth pursuing as Trenton moves toward a complete overhaul.

Inspections: Trenton will double itís force within one year with an initial mission to inspect every rental property, especially where Latino or Spanish speaking residents live in deplorable conditions while paying exorbitant rent.

This effort will dovetail with a Mayorís Immigration Council which will connect with newcomers, particularly, Latino immigrants who desperately need representation. Bienvenidos.

All bodegas, stores, businesses, homeowners, and renters will suffer severe financial penalty for violation of any city code.

These ideas will serve as first initiatives although ideas would be welcomed by other contributors. Trenton needs a goal-oriented mayor who discusses initiatives and stays clear of negative ads and other political games.

The prayer here is that our next mayor and a diverse city council sets out on a courageous pace of revitalization with a belief that Trenton is destined for better times.

ó L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Reach him at laparker@trentonian.com. Twitter @laparker6.